Running costs of a diesel E class????

[The Mirror Man]

I'm looking at E Class Elegance estates as my next long term daily car. It will have to be a diesel because I do 15k miles a year (95% long journeys). I don't know if I should be looking at 220s, 270s or 320s?????? My head hurts.

Your answers to 2 questions would really help me make the right decision:
1. what do you find is the real world mpg on a run (motorway and A roads)?

2. what failure points or common problems should I be aware of before taking the plunge?

I've a budget of £5k so it will be 2003 to 2007 I suppose.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Smart320]

Have 2008 E320 cdi, 35 mpg on 10 mile run into town and back, 40-45 mpg on long cross country runs, have had it as high as 48 mpg on long motorway run in summer,
Not sure re problems as mine only has 41 k on clock, am off to Indi specialist tomorrow for B service, ( quoted just over £250 all in )have always used Dealers. Broke a front Spring this year, £500 to change both fronts, Had to use Dealer in Chester as broke down , used Mobilio so had no chance to negotiate price, local Indi only 300 k approx

 

[Smart320]

But love the power and comfort in the E320cdi

 

[David404]

I have a 2009 E320 and do 15,000 miles pa. Daily commute is a 40 mile round trip almost all motorway but its the M42/M6/Aston Expressway so traffic is heavy.

Over the 15,000 miles I've had the car its averaged 34mpg BUT I also tow a caravan, not that many miles pa but 1500Kg of van on the hook does hit the MPG stats hard. Were it not for the caravan I estimate that I'd have averaged 35-36mpg.

On a long run, using cruse as much as possible 40mpg isn't an unreasonable expectation.

The E320 is a joy to drive and whilst I drive like a Funeral Director most of the time it can get a wriggle on when occasion arises. Most of the time progress is effortless...

Not driven one of the 4 pot 2.1L models but others report the engine to be a little harsh. Only you can decide if the extra economy tips the balance away from the V6.

From what I hear the difference in economy between the 280 and 320 is minimal.

 

[toolman1954]

Hi,
With a budget of £3K to £5K you may end up with an older in line 6 pot E320 CDI. You mention Elegance models, these however seem thin on the ground and the better model is the Avantgarde which most folk have. On an old 300 TD, the Elegance model had softer suspension than the Avantgarde.
With the older in line 6 you get SBC braking system which is actually superb. It has its foibles, such as running out of actuations ( which can be reset ) and the pump wearing out. These are no longer the money pits they used to be with new pumps now available from Bosch.
On a 400 mile run from Northampton to Fife, I regularly see 47 mpg on the computer, backed up by the refuelling cost, and that is at a meagre 2200 rpm. I find the fuel consumption amazing compared to my old 300TD.
I have the air suspension option on mine, with a choice of comfort and sport settings, which makes long distance journeys bearable.
When you buy an Avantgarde, which comes with lots of extras, find one with as many extra " toys " as possible, such as Comand, air suspension, heated / ventilated seats and of course a pile of service history, there are still plenty of them out there to be had, and some low mileage ones also.
My own 2003 320 is now at 236,000 miles, looks good in green and still drives exceptionally well, as testament to the care and love of its previous owners.
I would say it is the best car I have ever owned.


Just to add .... I see that in the Classifieds section rpe2 has exactly that model which would suit your requirements, and within your price bracket also.

Steve

 

[tylerdurden]

IMHO 15K is quite a bit of driving. If mostly motorway then my slant would be to get the biggest engine you can. I have a E350 from new and have hit 100k miles. It has been and continues to be a sheer pleasure to drive. I think its very economical and the larger 80l tank makes a huge difference in fewer pump visits. On a motorway the 6 cyl diesels can really pull in mid range; overtaking HGV's is a meer light touch on the pedal.

 

[David404]

overtaking HGV's is a meer light touch on the pedal.

Agree on that, absolute mountain of torque makes overtaking a breeze.

 

[Alex225]

I have a 2003 E320 CDI which I bought for £4k, had it a year and done around 8k mostly on the motorway. It'll regularly give me 45mpg+ and it's comfortable.

Mine has 111k on it an, well it just feels like it would go on forever.

Plus the sheer torque of the as mentioned, makes overtaking nice and effortless. In fact even from a standstill it can get moving pretty swiftly.

I've looked into and even put posts up about what I'd replace it with, mainly as I'm a fidget with cars but I can't think of anything around this kind of money that would outshine this car in a big way (and fit my criteria).

 

[Hawkwind]

I've been reading this thread with interest, I think the E class is a great looking car.

Everyone seems to be singing it's praises, has anyone had problems?

I think OP was interested in this as well

 

[Smart320]

Had my 2008 320 cdi serviced yesterday at Indi in Cardiff, £250 for C service, 41 k miles. Only problems identified, need a little welding on exhaust hanger, rear n/s bush wearing cost 3 hrs labour plus £60 parts to fix, oil leaking on to manifold swirl flap motor. Leak has been rectified , oil wiped off but told they would not try cleaning the motor as it would likely causes problems than it might solve , currently it is working as it should. Will have to wait and see if any longer term problems

 

[DrNick]

My 2007 E320CDi was probably the best car I've had, in terms of torque, comfort and economy. Even insurance is reasonable!
Its not the cheapest to run, but the whole package is compelling. You get what you pay for and I think the value is good.
Again 45 mpg is entirely possible on long journeys, and even around town (in sensible traffic) it wasn't bad, mid-low 30s
Its better than my current E250 petrol around town, which is disappointing. I was expecting the petrol to be better. The new one is also a bit plasticy inside in comparison and just isn't as relaxed.
My previous E280 was ok but the E320Cdi was better. The diesel is well matched to the gearbox (7 speed) and there is a huge amount of thrust - certainly more than enough for 99% of all situations.
I've had no real problems with any of my E classes over the years that can't be forgiven. I suspect the vast majority are very reliable. There do seem to be a few more common issues, such as EGR issues, but how common they actually are, I don't know. I suspect not that common.

 

[David404]

Common E Class issues are generally well known and include:

Front ball joints - if you get creaking/groans from the front suspension its probably ball joints or camber arms. I had a camber arm replaced £160 fitted

Can break front springe - apparently you usually hear them snap.

The V6 (OM 642) engines have a reputation for glow plug failures - I had a whole set replaced for £260. the control relay can go too not sure on cost.

If you don't service right and replace an oil seal oil can drip onto the inlet port shut off motor causing it to short. About £400 I think. But replace the seal and you're unlikely to get this.

Turbo issues - as with modern diesels the turbo system is complex and can be problematic.

Regular gearbox oil and filter changes are essential to avoid auto gbox issues. GBox service about £250 every 36,000 miles I think.

Injectors

Early cars with SBS brakes - the SBS unit has a definite life but apparently these units are getting cheaper. having said that as a breaking system folks rave over the SBS braking performance. SBS phased out at the 2006 mid life refresh.

V6 has chain driven cam shaft so NO cam belt to replace - result!

Generally the V6 engine is considered reliable

Don't let this put you off all cars have their problem areas but generally the E Class isn't considered unreliable. Look for something with a good service history from a MB main agent or specialist Indie, don't buy something with a service history done by a general high street service agent they wont have had the specialist knowledge to do the job right. You'll benefit from establishing a relationship with a local Indie.

 

[mersum1es]

When I bought my W210 270CDI I test drove both 4cyl <--> 5 cyl cars. Difference in preformance was so huge I knew I never want 4cyl. When I bought my W211 6cyl there was again clear step up in performance but felt not so big instantly even W211 engines are overall more powerful due to newer CDI system. Only later when driving both all the time, I noticed sometimes I had difficulty estimate 270CDI acceleration in traffic when used to 320CDI power. And sound of straight 6....
Overall I would say one cylinder more makes 0,5L/100km in fuel consumption (no idea what it makes MPG units lol). If you are skimpy, do not test drive larger engines. You will be happy with your 4-mug when you don't know better...

 

[The Mirror Man]

I BIG thank you from me to you all, I really appreciate your input.
Having trawled autotrader (and it is definately an Elegance I want) this would seem the ideal car Used Mercedes-benz E Class Estate 3.2 E320 Cdi Elegance 5dr in Leicester, Leicestershire | GB Car Sales I would appreciate your thoughts.
PS: would there be any advantage in buying one that is a year or 2 younger? and is this one a straight 6 or a V6?

 

[Smart320]

No mention of MB service history, it is not a V6 at that age. Might be better to try and afford a post facelift 2006 model. On the other hand it looks very clean and tidy. Am sure you will get some more experienced owners giving you a more informed view, good luck anyway.

 

[toolman1954]

Hi,
The 2004 Estate looks very clean and tidy, and with just over 100K on the clock the engine is barely run in. The low mileage is a definite plus point. Has Comand, Heated front seats, Parktronic, Glass sunroof, again all plus points. A lot of what else is listed is just standard fitment anyway. The 16" wheels are fitted to an Elegance to give a softer ride. It will have the smooth straight 6 engine fitted and using the cruise you should expect 45 mpg plus long distance. The Champagne / Sand Beige leather is a good colour combination and from the pics seems with no visible rust marks. Unless you have a need for the 7 seats ( large family ) personally I think they are just a waste of space.
Is the car something you like? If so, why not give the seller a bell and ask about the service history and what has it had replaced of late? Do you live close by, can you go and see it ? If you make a note of the vin number and if you post it up on here some kind soul will confirm what it was shipped out the factory with.
I rather think that £4995 is pushing it a bit, even though it is low mileage (unconfirmed ) but as he will accept a p/x there may be a deal to be had.

Steve

 

[The Mirror Man]

Hi,
The 2004 Estate looks very clean and tidy, and with just over 100K on the clock the engine is barely run in. The low mileage is a definite plus point. Has Comand, Heated front seats, Parktronic, Glass sunroof, again all plus points. A lot of what else is listed is just standard fitment anyway. The 16" wheels are fitted to an Elegance to give a softer ride. It will have the smooth straight 6 engine fitted and using the cruise you should expect 45 mpg plus long distance. The Champagne / Sand Beige leather is a good colour combination and from the pics seems with no visible rust marks. Unless you have a need for the 7 seats ( large family ) personally I think they are just a waste of space.
Is the car something you like? If so, why not give the seller a bell and ask about the service history and what has it had replaced of late? Do you live close by, can you go and see it ? If you make a note of the vin number and if you post it up on here some kind soul will confirm what it was shipped out the factory with.
I rather think that £4995 is pushing it a bit, even though it is low mileage (unconfirmed ) but as he will accept a p/x there may be a deal to be had.

Steve

This one does tick all the boxes: I like the colour, interior etc. I dont need the extra seat though and would agree that, for me, they would be a waste of space. Hope easy is it to remove them?
The car is 200 miles and 4 hours away, so not just round the corner though.

Do Es like this often come up with a tow bar already fitted?

 

[The Mirror Man]

No mention of MB service history, it is not a V6 at that age. Might be better to try and afford a post facelift 2006 model. On the other hand it looks very clean and tidy. Am sure you will get some more experienced owners giving you a more informed view, good luck anyway.

I'll ring and ask about the SH. Thanks for that.

Are the face lift (post 06) cars more reliable and less liable to expensive repairs? The probability of LARGE repair bill is the only thing that concerns me about these cars.

 

[Smart320]

I have a 08 post facelift with the v6 , I do worry about big repair bills ! Any second hand car is a risk. I would definitely want to know about service history and what work had been done , suggest you first look on the forum to find out known problems / issues with that year and model, I.e braking system, radiator / automatic gearbox, then you can ask if any possible work that might have been needed has been done, however at the end of the day if you like the car and it has MB dealer / Specialist Indi service history buy it, no SH walk

 

[toolman1954]

Hi,
You ask about towbars.......... When buying a car, most folks do not want a towbar and the sight of one can have a negative effect on the sale because they assume the previous owner has been hauling some huge 4 wheel double axle caravan around. So ultimately, towbars are often removed along with the associated electrics to mask the fact that there ever was one.
I did want a towbar on mine and after I had bought it, found that in the past had been fitted with a towbar and been removed. So a cover up job had been done. So I had to buy another towbar and the electrics and fit it onto the car. ( Get a removable tow hitch if you go down that route ). I have already decided to keep my 320 until it falls apart, so the towbar can stay put.
You ask about big bills......... With any used car you buy you can get a big bill, and really it is a gamble, but with some careful study of the the service history you can get the odds stacked in your favour of not getting a bill in the near future, or haggling the price down.
Getting a low mileage car is already a plus point on that because lots of things will not be coming to their "wearing out " stage yet, such as alternators, starter motors and glowplugs.
For arguments sake let us assume you phone the seller about the car you like.
I would certainly ask if and when the auto gearbox oil and filter was changed. If it has not been done then it will need doing and that is £150 -- £180 at an independent merc specialiist. If the seller tells you it is sealed for life then tell him he doesnt know what he is talking about ....or one word to that effect.
You dont say where you live but you will find one somewhere, or someone on here will recommend one.
I would ask when pads and discs were last changed, and whether any work has been done on the SBC braking system . This can be a tad expensive, but the consolation is SBC is an excellent braking systemwhen you get used to it. You have no Airmatic to worry about just normal self levelling suspension. Although the hydraulic pipes on the self levelling can corrode as do the brake pipes. But this is just. normal wear and tear.
When did the car last have an oil change? It needs 7.3 litres of fully synthetic, which a dealer will rip you off for. I paid £9 a litre before at a dealers. However, I have just bought 20 litres of MB's finest oil from MB Newcastle for about £55. A bargain.
With the V6 engines you get different sorts of possible costs, such as inlet port shut off motors and flaps. I do not have one of these, so you will have to wait for another opinion.
Check other cars for sale and what they have had replaced is a good way to get some ideas of costs. The 2008 one in the classified has had this done to it ......New turbo and Inlet shut-off motor, New front springs and shocks New tailgate latch New glowplugs
New headlamp control module.
If you really want a 320 Estate then you just have to not worry about bills, just stick a few bob in a biscuit tin for an emergency and then just enjoy the superb driving experience, which you will only find out about after a test drive.
Sadly I am not at home in Northampton to help you out by going and having a look at the car for you, but someone closer may volunteer.

Steve